Ossining is grieving the tragic loss of Gregory Jackson. This weekend friends, family and community members gathered for a vigil. Hundreds have contributed to a GoFundMe page set up in his memory, already exceeding the campaign’s goal.
The loss of a life so young forces us to face mortality head-on, and hopefully we learn to cherish each day more deeply. As a young woman I attended too many funerals for classmates and friends who died tragically. My heart aches for Gregory’s family and friends.
I am not someone who speaks frequently about my faith, but today I will. “Holding someone in the light” is an expression Quakers use to describe the intention of our prayer. Sometimes I also find it helpful to light a candle as I focus my prayer and open my heart to the light. Today I light a candle and pray for the memory of Gregory Jackson, may the lives he touched be inspired by his spirit each day. I pray for his family, may they grow stronger and closer through the bonds of shared pain as well as shared gratitude for experiencing 21 years with Gregory. I pray for justice, may the law enforcement investigation result in a conviction that makes us all safer. I pray for our community, may the outpouring of love in this moment of intense grief foster greater compassion for all Ossining residents.
Victoria Gearity, Former Ossining Mayor 
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